Doolan, Khawaja vie for Ponting spot

Doolan, Khawaja vie for Ponting spot - Yahoo7

Usman Khawaja and Alex Doolan will get the chance to audition for Ricky Ponting's vacant Test spot when they play for the Chairman's XI in a three-day tour clash against Sri Lanka next week.

With Ponting announcing the third Test against South Africa will be the last of his decorated career, there will be a spot in the side for the first Test against Sri Lanka in Hobart beginning on December 14.

Khawaja and Doolan will be two of the frontrunners in contention and will be eyeing a big score against the Sri Lankans at Manuka Oval on December 8.

The pair, along with Glenn Maxwell and Scott Henry, have all been released from the Big Bash teams to further their experience in the longer form of the game.

The squad also features of number of talented youngsters including promising batsman Dean Solway.

"It is a talented team that has an ideal mix of youth and experience," National Selection Panel chairman John Inverarity said.

"Usman Khawaja has been nominated as captain. He, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Doolan and Scott Henry have been released from their BBL franchises.

"They are players who have shown some excellent form in recent months and will be looking to enhance their claims for higher honours.

"Dean Solway from the ACT is a talented young batsman who will be keen to impress on his home turf.

"Scott Henry, Marcus Harris, Travis Head and Sam Whiteman are young left-handed batsmen. Each has produced at least one outstanding first-class innings recently and Whiteman will be given an opportunity to display his skills as an accomplished wicket-keeper.

"Luke Butterworth is an experienced medium-fast swing bowler who bowls with great accuracy and will provide great stability to the attack."